how we teach

BA, QTS, PGCE

Tracy is very excited to be joining the Early Years Team at the British School of Beijing, Shunyi in August 2023. She is also the Acting Head of EYFS starting in August 2024. She holds a BA Honors Degree in Primary Education with qualified teacher status (QTS) and has completed the postgraduate ‘Leadership Pathways Programme’ at Manchester University. She is also a qualified early years practitioner (Nursery Nurse).

After teaching in the UK for sixteen years, across the early years and primary, Tracy moved to China. She has worked for Nord Anglia for the past six years, teaching at both the British School of Nanjing and more recently the British School of Guangzhou. She has held many leadership positions including: SENCo, Literacy Coordinator, Read Write Inc Lead Teacher (phonics programme) and Early Years Assistant Lead.

Tracy is a passionate early years teacher who believes in creating a safe, play-based learning environment which encourage children to be curious and imaginative learners.

tracy.peralta@britishschool.org.cn

BA, PGCE

Emma has a Bachelor of Arts and PGCE, both from the University of Warwick. After teaching in Cambridge, UK for three years, she moved abroad to China in 2015. She joined BSB Shunyi first as a class teacher in Year 6, then as Head of Year 6. She was promoted to the Primary Leadership Team first as Assistant Head of Primary and then as Deputy Head of Primary. Emma also had the experience teaching at an international school in Taiwan.

She loves travelling and exploring the world, especially living in China, which is different from where she grew up in Cambridge.

emma.brown@britishschool.org.cn

BEd, BEd (Hons), MEd

Lincoln is a passionate and dynamic primary school teacher. He is well organised and has over 11 years of teaching experience. His practice is guided by evidenced-based teaching and learning and the belief that the ‘relationship’ is at the core of teaching and learning. Most of his teaching experience has been in the international arena, 6 years in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and in Beijing since August 2019.

Lincoln has a thirst for knowledge and an openness to continuously learn more.He is in my final year as a PhD in Education student at the Nelson Mandela University with a research focus on Language, Literature and Culture. He believes that his research will add to the body of knowledge in relation to how books may influence children’s deliberations about the world.

Lincoln believes that the accumulation of experiential knowledge, skills and competencies gained from over 10 years in the international teaching arena can now be transferred to any context he finds himself in. Thus, his motivation to join BSB Shunyi in 2023 is driven by his enthusiasm to broaden his input as a teacher and because he believes that there is much to be learnt from working at BSB Shunyi.

As much as possible, Lincoln tries to live a simple life. He tries to exercise at least 3-4 times a week. He has a great love for reading. Another hobby is baking: some of his favourite things to bake include bagels, carrot cake and Japanese milk bread. One thing he wishes to improve over the next few months is his attitude towards eating fruits and vegetables and to commit himself to drinking at least 2L of water a day.

Qualifications:

Bachelor of Education, Major in Primary Maths & Science from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University & Stranmills University College.

Bachelor of Education (Honours), Major in Special Needs Education from University of South Africa.

Master of Education, Major in Language & Literacy from Nelson Mandela University.

BSc (Hons), QTS, CELTA

Chris studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and was awarded an Bachelor's degree with honours in Management. He licensed to teach in both the UK and USA and have been teaching in China from 2011. He also has a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) from the University of Cambridge. When he arrived in Beijing, he taught English as a language initially and worked with a wide range of ages from three up to twelve years old. He then moved to teaching all subjects in a Primary classroom and was promoted to supervisor and then manager in charge of curriculum programme development. Prior to joining BSB Shunyi in 2021, he was the Year 2 and Year 3 Year Level leader in his last school.

As a teacher, Chris believes in setting clear expectations and routines. Learning should develop skills as well as knowledge, promote problem solving and encourage students’ natural curiosity. One of the key reasons he was drawn to BSB Shunyi is the high standards of learning and teaching. he knows that this is a school where he will be able to improve his teaching practice, develop his leadership skills and help students achieve their goals.

Chris has lived in China for the last ten years and speak the language fairly well. He and his wife were married here in 2019. In his spare time he likes to read more about education, health and history. He also likes to play football and go to the gym regularly.

MEd, PGCE, TEFL

Kieran first became passionate about teaching when he was working through his coaching qualifications in football and hockey while studying in University. He has now spent over a decade working in education, the majority of which has been spent with second language learners in China. He has always felt that it is the most wonderful feeling to be able to assist someone in acquiring new knowledge and skills and watch them develop and grow as a person and individual.

With his interest in education and passion for learning, Kieran made the decision to study for a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and continued my studies to obtain a Master's degree in Education Management and Leadership, both from the University of Buckingham. He has also completed the Bridge TEFL. He felt honored to have the opportunity to join BSB in 2021 as working in such an inclusive and supportive environment will allow him to continue to develop myself as an educator and leader.

Kieran is married nd have 2 daughters who are also attending BSB. He aspires to be the best he can be and support the learning for all his students and hope that heI can inspire them to become the best versions of themselves. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as playing football and long distance running.

MSc, PGCE

Creating and shaping a positive future is why Raz decided to become a teacher. Researching innovative and exciting approaches to enhance learning and inspire young minds is something he has been passionate about throughout the last 16 years of his career. Early on, whilst studying for a Master degree in Mathematics and Physics at UCL in 2005, Raz realised that teaching was the profession for him. After completing his degree, he went on to study for a PGCE at Middlesex University and became a qualified teacher in 2007. Teaching in various schools in London gave him valuable experience and insight and he was ready for a new challenge. Enthused and determined to create the next chapter of my future, in 2011, he decided to work abroad and joined Compass International School, a Nord Anglia school, in Doha Qatar.

You truly develop and flourish when in a new and exciting environment and being in Qatar helped Raz further deepenhis passion for teaching and my understanding of educational pedagogy. Over the course of 8 years he developed and created meaningful learning experiences and encouraging independent learning was at the heart of his approach. Understanding the stages of learning development enabled him to teach various ages from Reception to Year 6 as well as have several leadership roles such as Head of Year and STEAM Co-ordinator.

Realising his interests in technology, Raz took on the role of developing the use of iPads throughout the school as ICT lead which raised the profile of computing and helped the school begin its digital journey. Furthermore, his use of technology in the classroom helped him create memorable and exciting learning experiences from learning and collaborating in digital worlds to using augmented reality. Utilising technology effectively in the classroom is incredibly important and he has enjoyed helping support students, teachers and parents.

Throughout his 16 years of teaching, Raz has also helped develop various ambitious initiatives to enhance learning outcomes; from working on a school bilingual programme, developing whole school projects aligned with UNICEF, working with CNN and being part of the first team of teachers to help develop and implement the Nord Anglia- MIT STEAM collaboration.

Unquestionably, the highlight of his career was moving to Beijing in 2019 with his wife and 2 sons and working at both the British School of Beijing Shunyi and Sanlitun as Head of Year 6. Returning to Beijing is something Raz and his family are very much looking forward to as we get to experience the wonderful aspects of being in a diverse and culturally rich city once again.

Excited to continue his journey at BSB Shunyi, Raz is looking forward to working with others to help continue to make BSB grow from strength to strength and to encourage my students to believe to achieve, be creative and be ambitious.

Now read the first letter of every sentence to see a message for our students...

MA, MEd

Annemarie completed her Masters Degree at University of Potsdam, Germany and finished her teacher training in Munich. 

Teaching has been a passionate profession for her for the past 15 years. Throughout her career, she has had the incredible opportunity to teach in various countries around the world. She has been teaching at BSB for over 5 years now. She was excited to immerse herself into different cultures and connect with students around the world. Teaching has not only enriched her life but has also allowed her to make a positive impact on the lives of countless students.

Besides playing tennis, she loves travelling and adventures. 

MEd, Diploma in Pedagogy

After graduating with a Diploma in Educational Sciences in 2008 at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Juliane worked in the field of family therapy, youth counselling and social assisted living in Germany. She has a Diploma in Pedagogy (Diplom Pädagogin) and while working, she completed an apprenticeship and got certified in systematic/family therapy.

Juliane's experiences of living and working abroad started after graduating from high school when she was working as an au-pair for three children of the ages of 1, 4 and 6 in Vermont, USA. That great experience strengthened her wish to work with children and families as well as her desire to work abroad and experiencing different cultures and mentalities. During her studies at university sheI spent half a year in Washington, USA as an intern organizing a social camp for children infected by HIV and their families and training their counsellors, applying and developing on her knowledge gained of social sciences at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg in Germany.

Together with her husband, Juliane moved to China in 2015 and she was working at another international school for 4.5 years, teaching children aged 16 months in Nursery to almost 6 years in Pre-K and Pre-school.

Juliane joined BSB Shunyi in 2020 as a German Teacher and was excited to take on the role of Head of German Primary in 2022. She is looking forward to form positive relationships with the children and their parents and the other teachers and BSB team and looking forward to inspiring the children to learn, explore and develop.

Personally she loves to travel and explore new cultures, foods and different ways of living. She enjoys running, biking, hiking, reading and being with friends.

BA, MA, PGCE

Voicu holds degrees and certifications across 3 disciplines. He received a BA in Philology and History from his home country in Romania. He holds a MA in English Language and Literature from Assumption University (Thailand) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Literacy and Learning from the University of Southern Queensland (Australia). He specialized in Positive Psychology at the Positive Psychology Center from University of Pennsylvania (USA) and holds a PCSE in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at the Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Neuroscience from King’s College London (UK).

Voicu has been a teacher all his adult life. He started teaching straight out of Teacher’s College and has been teaching internationally since 2002. Before moving to China in 2018, he taught in Thailand and Qatar. His teaching career followed his qualifications path. He taught English and American Literature for many years but then he switched to his second major and started teaching History. He especially enjoyed teaching Asian History. As Voicu also had a background in educational psychology, in 2015 he decided to refocus his teaching interest on psychology and has taught the AP, GCSE and IB curricula in the international schools system ever since.

As a former competitive archer who has participated in many international archery competitions (including the Archery World Cup in Shanghai and the Indoor Archery World Cup in Singapore), he is highly interested how mindset influences peak performance in sports. One of his other interests is survival psychology and calisthenics. During his free time, he is engaged in an auto-ethnographic project by studying Chinese calligraphy, ink wash painting, and playing the guqin.

BA, PGCE, TEFL

Tony is an accomplished educator hailing from the United States, with a remarkable track record spanning over twenty years in the field of education. Tony's journey in academia has encompassed diverse roles, including classroom instruction, coaching, academic leadership, and administrative responsibilities.

Having honed his expertise primarily with secondary school students, Tony has been instrumental in guiding them towards success in the IB Diploma.

Tony's academic journey includes an A.A. Degree from Louisburg College, a Bachelor's degree from Southeastern College, and a distinguished Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the esteemed University of Leicester. His commitment to excellence extends further with certifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and three coveted IB certifications.

Beyond the confines of the classroom, Tony's creative spirit thrives. He is a prolific writer, boasting a published book to his credit and contributions to various online platforms. Tony's artistic flair also extends to music composition and production, complementing his passion for athletics.

With a wealth of experience and a multidimensional approach to education, Tony brings a unique and dynamic perspective to our educational community.

BA, MA, PGCE, TESOL 

Daniel holds a BA in Philosophy from Lancaster University, an MA in Global Learning and Development Education from University College London, a PGCE from the University of Sunderland, and a TESOL Certificate from Windsor College Barcelona.

With over fifteen years of experience, Daniel specializes in tutoring students for various examinations, including IELTS, TOEFL, A Level, and GCSE. He possesses extensive knowledge in all aspects of examination preparation. Many of his students have successfully gained admission to prestigious institutions such as Oxbridge and top 30 universities in the United States.

In addition to being a teacher of English, Daniel serves as the Head of Year 9, providing pastoral support and effectively guiding the transition to Key Stage 4. He ensures that students receive the necessary care and support during this crucial stage of their education.

Daniel has worked in both British and American education systems, gaining valuable experience. He taught literature at an American High School in Shanghai and served as an English teacher at the leading bilingual secondary school in Qingdao. As a teacher, his expertise lies in teaching writing, with a particular emphasis on academic writing.

Daniel's dedication to his students' success, his proficiency in examination preparation, and his commitment to pastoral care make him a valuable asset to our school community.

Christopher is from England and has worked as a teacher for over 14 years. He has primarily taught high school and university students, supporting them in achieving success in international examinations and securing placements at top universities worldwide. In addition to his role as an English teacher, Christopher is also our Key Stage 4 Leader, where his dedication to student learning and pastoral care has made a significant impact on the cohort.

He obtained a Bachelor's degree in English Language & Literature with Journalism from the University of Wales and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the University of Sunderland. Christopher also holds a Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) from the University of Cambridge's English Language Assessment, along with IB Category 1 Training.

Furthermore, Christopher has valuable experience as an IELTS examiner for the British Council, contributing to his deep understanding of language proficiency assessment. Beyond his teaching career, he has ventured into writing and successfully published a book detailing his cultural experiences in China. Christopher continues to pursue writing during his spare time, further enhancing his creative abilities.

BA (Hons), PDE, MSc

Paul has a BA Honours Degree in History and Politics from University College Dublin and a Professional Diploma in Education from the National University of Ireland. Paul recently obtained his Master's Degree (MSc) in History, from the University of Edinburgh. He is also an assistant examiner for the Cambridge IGCSE History exams.

Paul has been teaching internationally since he graduated in 2004. He has been teaching History and Global Perspectives in an international school in Bangkok, Thailand for 5 years. He was impressed and attracted to The British School of Beijing due to their ethos and philosophy of ‘Be ambitious’. He always tell his students to aim high and to be ambitious as the world needs effective Humanities students to influence, change and develop our future. He joined the Humanities Department in BSB Shunyi in 2020 and is also our Head of Year 11 in 2024.

Paul is passionate about the importance of the Humanities as they teach students about the world we live in. Education is a vital element of young people’s lives and it is a privilege, as a teacher, to help them develop their own skills and passions.

Paul is originally from Kildare in Ireland but has spent most of the last 15 years living in Thailand. He really enjoys meeting people from different countries and cultures. He also loves tasting food from around the world and he can’t wait to start enjoying some authentic Chinese cuisine. His hobbies and interests range from football, golf and travel, to reading and experiencing new cultures. He and his family decided to move to Beijing to gain a more in depth knowledge of Chinese culture and are really looking forward to joining the BSB community.

BA, MA, PhD

Esther holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Peking University, a Master's degree in Comparative Literature from Seoul National University, and a Bachelor's degree in Russian literature from Korea University. She possesses a keen interest in various academic fields, including Comparative Literature, Cultural Studies, Film Studies, and Women's Studies.

After completing her doctorate in 2013, Esther underwent a Teacher training programme for the Korean language at Seoul National University. She subsequently taught Literature, Film Studies, and Women's Studies at prestigious institutions such as Yonsei University and Hanyang University in Korea. In 2016, she relocated to Beijing with her family and joined Beijing BISS International School as an IB MYP and IBDP teacher of Korean Language and Literature. At BISS, Esther also took on significant responsibilities, serving as the IBDP Coordinator and TOK teacher and Coordinator. Her expertise in IB education extends beyond the classroom, as she is an active member of the IB Educators Network, contributing as a School Visit Team Member and Workshop Leader. Furthermore, Esther successfully prepared and led the IB evaluation visit for the IBDP programme at BISS in 2019.

Demonstrating her commitment to continuous growth and professional development, Esther recently completed the Certificate Programme in Advanced Education Leadership at Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her aim in pursuing this programme was to enhance her support for her IBDP colleagues and students as a programme leader. As an educator, Esther possesses a strong passion for nurturing and inspiring young minds, encouraging them to become inquisitive, knowledgeable, and compassionate lifelong learners capable of making positive contributions to the world. She eagerly looks forward to learning and growing alongside her students and colleagues at BSB Shunyi.

In addition to her dedication to education, Esther harbours great passions for music, dancing, and reading a wide array of books. Language is another realm that captivates her, as she is proficient in five languages: Korean, English, Chinese, Russian, and Mongolian. If time permits, she aspires to embark on the journey of learning Spanish in the future.

BA (Hons), PGCE, TESOL

Stephen is from the UK and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages in Newcastle University, and later earned his PGCE in Modern Languages teaching qualifications in Cheltenham and Nottingham. He has worked in international schools in Russia and the UK before moving to China.

Stephen came to China in 2014 and has taught IGCSE English, IBDP English B and English A Language and Literature. He joined BSB in 2020 because he was impressed by its culture of “Be Ambitious”. He enjoys challenging students with high-level, idiomatic and colloquial language.

Stephen is here in China with his wife Charlotte - from Harbin – and little daughter Annie. In his free time he is guitar mad. He plays in a rock band, and loves building and customising guitars. His other passion is language. He speaks Russian and French, and hopes to one day become a fluent Chinese speaker!

BA

Valentina has 20+ years of experience in education both as a teacher and as a school counselor and has spent her entire career teaching at international schools. Her former students currently study or finished their studies at the most prestigious universities in the world with many of them choosing psychology as their main discipline.

Being a life-long learner, Valentina regularly undertakes courses related to educational psychology, teaching and counseling and she is also an IB Psychology examiner. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, a Specialist in Educational Psychology from the Macedonian Chamber of Psychologists and is a Counselor in Systemic Family Therapy from EFTA (European Family Therapy Association). She's currently pursuing a MA in Philosophy at the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities, Skopje.

On a personal note, Valentina arrived in Beijing in 2018 and her family joined her a year later. Prior to joining BSB Shunyi in August 2022, she worked at Nord Anglia School Beijing Fangshan. Currently, both her children are BSB students. The appreciation they have for their teachers and the enthusiasm they show for learning make Valentina both happy and excited to be a part of such an amazing school.

BA, PGCE, MEd, CELTA

Sonia holds a Bachelors of Arts in English from the Sorbonne University as well as a PGCE and Masters of Education from the University of Nottingham. Her dissertation focussed on providing International School teachers with solutions and strategies to support EAL learners in the classroom. Sonia also completed a CELTA qualification, further enhancing her understanding of teaching English to multilingual students.

Sonia’s entire career has taken place in the International School circuit, teaching English, French and then Primary homeroom first in Vietnam, then in Malaysia, Brazil and Myanmar. She moved into Primary Leadership while working with the Nord Anglia group in Brazil. This is where Sonia obtained her Middle Leadership certification and was Head of Key Stage for 4 years before continuing with this role in Myanmar where she was also in charge of Professional Development and EAL training for staff.

Sonia visited China extensively in 2006, and was always fascinated by the vibrancy, culture and history of Beijing, which prompted her decision to move there in 2024. She is excited to join BSB as Head of Primary EAL and she plans on using her considerable teaching and leadership experience as well as her own multicultural and multilingual background to provide the best EAL provision to BSB students.

Sonia is moving to Beijing with her teenage son. They are both avid travelers, and they love to explore new places at the weekends and during the holidays.

BSc, PGDE, QTS

Cyneric is thrilled to be part of BSB Shunyi as the Secondary Curriculum Leader of Mathematics. With over 9 years of teaching experience, Cyneric has held various middle leadership positions in mathematics education both in the UK and Kuwait, providing valuable insights into working with international students. Cyneric has a BSc. in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Reading, QTS from Hibernia College and a PGDE from University of Glasgow.

Cyneric's passion for mathematics education stems from a deep desire to help students develop essential problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills. Recognising that mathematics extends beyond the classroom, Cyneric passionately believes that mathematics equips students with invaluable life skills. Through years of teaching and leading mathematics departments, Cyneric has honed a deep understanding of the importance of a well-structured and well-planned mathematics curriculum, aligning perfectly with the vision of BSB.

As the Curriculum Leader for the Mathematics department at BSB, Cyneric is excited to bring a wealth of experience to the role. Her vision for the department is in alignment with the school's commitment to fostering creativity, curiosity and a passion for learning. She is dedicated to ensuring that every student at BSB receives an exceptional experience in maths that prepares them for future success.

Cyneric made the decision to relocate to China with their family, choosing BSB as the educational institution for her own children. She believes that BSB offers the best education and opportunities, reinforcing her commitment to the school's mission.

Outside of the academic sphere, Cyneric has a range of hobbies that bring her joy and fulfilment. Cooking is a therapeutic and creative outlet, allowing her to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Singing is another passion, providing a means to connect with others on an emotional level. Travelling in Asia is an exciting prospect for Cyneric, who enjoys exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and meeting new people. Lastly, watching movies is a favorite pastime that allows her to unwind and escape into captivating stories.

Cyneric's dedication to mathematics education, combined with her personal interests and commitment to the BSB community, makes them a valuable addition to the school's faculty. She looks forward to contributing her expertise and ensuring that every student at BSB receives an outstanding mathematics education in a diverse and multicultural environment.

Daren came to Beijing in 2017 to start a music programme at a brand-new school. He is to be seen regularly performing in Beijing with the city’s leading jazz artists. He has furthermore released many recordings including eight of his own projects.

Master's degree, PGCE

Throughout David's teaching career since 2006, he has been a teacher of Design & Technology and Head of Department. He has taught in both state comprehensive and state grammar schools in the UK and independent schools in Dubai UAE. He has experience in teaching Resistant Materials, Systems & Control, Electronics and Food Technology within the subject from Year 7 to Year 13.

Having spent all of his non-teaching career in engineering, David is passionate about the positive contribution Science and Engineering makes to our modern society and constantly endeavour to instill the same sense of purpose in the students he teaches. Having that sense of purpose while making the process of design and making fun is key to engaging young people in what is a very worthwhile subject.

David is originally trained as a Mechanical Engineering moving into Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Energy Sector which has allowed him to work both in the UK and overseas. He studied for a PGCE in Design & Technology at Greenwich University in London and also hold a Master's Degree in Business from Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.

As a teacher much of his spare time has been taken with school related activities such as running a Kart Club and after school sessions for students and parents. He also enjoys walking and the occasional round of golf.

BSc, MSc, QTS, MA

Luke is an experienced educator with a robust teaching career spanning eight years, including three years at an esteemed international school. Specialising in Biology and Psychology, Luke has demonstrated a profound ability to convey complex scientific concepts to students of diverse backgrounds. His tenure at the international school has equiped him with a global perspective and an adaptable teaching style, ensuring that his lessons are both engaging and inclusive.

Beyond classroom instruction, Luke has taken on leadership roles within the school, fostering a collaborative environment among staff and contributing to the development of innovative educational strategies. Additionally, Luke's experience as an examiner has further honed his teaching abilities, providing him with deep insights into assessment standards and common student misconceptions.

Luke holds a BSc Hons in Psychology applied from Durham University and MSc in Health Psychology from Teesside University. He also has a MA in Education Leadership from Teesside University. This  reflects his dedication to both his subject matter and the pedagogy of teaching. His enthusiasm for continuous learning and professional development serves as an inspiration to his students and colleagues alike and this can be further corroborated by his commitment to his PHD in Education at UCAM Spain, which he has recently begun.

Before embarking on his teaching career, Luke was a specialist clinical researcher for the NHS in the UK, where he focused on investigating the causes and treatment of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. This extensive research background, combined with his passion for learning, underpins his commitment to providing students with a rich, evidence-based educational experience.

Luke is a dedicated individual who cherishes spending time with his family and exploring the outdoors on weekends. He has a passion for building intricate LEGO creations, which mirrors his enthusiasm for science and discovery. Luke enjoys exploring the world, continually seeking new experiences and knowledge to further his education. His love for learning and adventure extends beyond the classroom, enriching both his personal and professional life.

BA, MEd

With over 15 years of teaching experience and a diverse educational background, James brings a unique perspective to the classroom that is sure to ignite a love for learning in his students. At the core of James's teaching philosophy is the belief in creating an inclusive and collaborative environment where every student's voice is valued. James has an undergraduate degree in History, English, and Politics from the University of Toronto and a Master of Education from D'Youville College.

James is passionate about nurturing student agency, recognising its transformative power in shaping young minds. By fostering a safe and supportive space, he encourages students to express their ideas and opinions freely, knowing that they play a pivotal role in their own educational journey. James believes in personalising learning so that his students can unlock their potential, empowering them to become active participants and architects of their own success.

Beyond the classroom, James has always found inspiration in the world of sports. The thrill of competition, the camaraderie of teammates, and the lessons learned from both victory and defeat have shaped his character. He believes that these experiences offer invaluable life lessons, teaching the importance of resilience, teamwork, and the joy of shared moments with loved ones. It is through these moments of triumph and setback that James and his students discover the true meaning of the journey.

BA, Masters, PGCE

Lara completed a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Linguistics and Literature at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. She obtained her CAP in Teaching Languages and Literature, specialising in Spanish, at the same university (equivalent to PGCE). In 2011, she earned a Masters in Spanish Language Teaching from the University of Barcelona.

Prior to joining BSB Shunyi, Lara taught Language and Literature in Spain before embarking on an overseas teaching journey. She worked as a Spanish teacher at the University Language Centre and Orono High School in Minnesota, USA. In 2004, she secured a lecturer position at Jilin University in China, and eight years ago she commenced her career as a Modern Foreign Languages teacher at International Schools.

Lara is a trained IB Diploma Programme teacher, having instructed IB Spanish Ab Initio and Language B, as well as IGCSE Spanish, for several years in Beijing. Joining BSB in 2018 presented a wonderful opportunity for her professional growth.

Originally from a city near the Mediterranean Sea, Lara appreciates her life in Beijing, where she resides with her husband and son. However, they eagerly seize the chance to spend summers by the ocean. She finds enjoyment in running in Ritan Park, one of her favorite spots in Beijing, and indulges in reading. Currently, Lara aspires to complete the Great Wall Half-Marathon and enhance her proficiency in the French language. She is currently engrossed in reading books by Patrick Modiano and revisiting classic movies by Leo Carax, Éric Rohmer, and Krzysztof Kieślowski.

BA (Hons), PGCE, TESOL 

Mark has over 15 years of experience as an EAL teacher, both in China and the UK. Before coming to China, he taught at Sheffield Hallam University and later took on the role of managing an English programme in Beijing. Throughout his career, Mark has taught in high schools and universities, and has conducted numerous teacher training sessions.

Mark joined BSB in March 2014 and has thoroughly enjoyed his time at the school. He has had the privilege of teaching exceptional students, and his qualifications as an examiner for various Cambridge University examinations have been valuable assets in the classroom.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Fine Art - Upper Second from Sheffield Hallam University, a TESOL Certificate from Trinity College London, a Post Graduate Certificate in TESOL from Sheffield Hallam University, as well as certifications as a Cambridge Main Suite Examiner and a Cambridge English - Train the Teacher Certificate.

In Mark's EAL students gain confidence and develop the skills to overcome academic and social challenges by taking control of their own learning. He designs innovative and exciting lessons and tasks that empower students to take the lead. Peer-led activities are an integral part of his approach, ensuring that all students play important roles in the class, regardless of their language ability.

At BSB, students are encouraged to recognise their importance within the school community and the value of their views and opinions. Mark's EAL program equips students with the confidence to apply what they have learned in mainstream lessons and academic areas that they previously found challenging. As a result, our students can proudly contribute as valuable members of both the school and the wider community.

Outside of the classroom, Mark is a dedicated parent to two children. He finds joy in activities such as biking, hiking, and cooking. Additionally, he has a passion for music and has performed locally as part of a band. Mark also enjoys jogging, particularly in the Olympic Park in Beijing, where he appreciates the challenging inclines and the opportunity to indulge in a treat from one of the ice cream kiosks.

BA (Hons), MSc, PGCE, MEd, IBEC

Michael earned his BA (Hons) in Geography and Resource Development with Political Science from the University of Ghana. He then moved to the UK, where he pursued an MSc in Internet Technologies at the University of Bedfordshire, followed by a PGCE with a Geography major at the University of Hertfordshire. He recently completed his Master’s in Educational Leadership with distinction at the University of Dundee and holds an IB educator certificate. Michael has over 20 years’ experience teaching at the secondary level in the UK KS3 to KS5 curriculum and the IB diploma programme.

In 2011, Michael completed the middle leader’s course at the National College for Teaching and Leadership, preparing him for middle leadership roles. He served as head of department for five years in a UK school before moving to China in 2018 to begin his international teaching career. In China, he became the coordinator for his school’s Somerset overseas educational programme, which immerses students in cultural and bilingual experiences in the UK.

Michael moved to China to expose his children to diverse cultures and opportunities, aiming to nurture them into global citizens. He joined BSB in 2019, his second international post in China, attracted by the school’s multicultural student and staff composition, which he believes fosters true global learning.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys staying updated with the latest news, which he incorporates into his teaching. He is passionate about technology, travel, and exploring local cuisine with his family. Michael is married with two children, both attending BSB.

BA

Conor has obtained numerous sports qualifications and certificates in both coaching and fitness in addition to his Bachelor’s Degree from Dublin Institute of Technology. Originally from Ireland, Conor has spent much of the last 20 years in Asia, where he has taught in various international schools in Singapore, Thailand and China. 

As someone who is passionate about sports and fitness, Conor’s number one goal is to develop a life long love of exercise and sports in his students, regardless of ability. He likes the sense of achievement students feel when they have mastered a new skill, especially if they feel it's something they previously thought was beyond them.

Conor has spent the last 6 years living in Hangzhou and was drawn to BSB Shunyi by their well established history of competing in inter-school sports competitions against schools from Beijing and indeed, around China. His main role as Director of PE will be to organise and co-ordinate sports teams across the whole school in addition to working as part of the PE team.

Conor enjoys playing various sports. His main love is football and he is a long-time Liverpool fan. He said that playing team sports in general gives one a great sense of camaraderie and belonging. It teaches one how to work together. As football has various distinct roles, it shows that different skill sets are needed to work together in order to achieve success as a team. Away from sports he enjoys travelling and has visited over 50 countries.